Pitchers and catchers have reported to Mets camp for spring training, but the team's starting rotation may not be complete just yet.
According SNY's MLB insider Andy Martino, the Mets have "serious interest" in free agent Taijuan Walker, and while the sides have not reached an agreement just yet, there have been "extensive discussions" between the Mets and the 28-year-old starter.
Walker was listed at 23rd on MLB Trade Rumors' list of the top-50 free agents heading into this offseason, and would slot into the back end of the Mets' rotation. Per Martino, Jake Odorizzi could be a backup option should the Mets not land Walker.
Walker has played eight big-league seasons, starting in 2013 with the Mariners when he was just 20 years old. The righty carries a career ERA of 3.84 over 581.2 innings, allowing 541 hits in that span against 528 strikeouts. He was traded to the Blue Jays last season and made six starts, allowing 10 runs over 26.1 innings. His total ERA in 2020 with Toronto and Seattle was 2.70 over 11 starts.
Odorizzi threw just 13.2 innings last season but was an All-Star in 2019 with the Twins. The 30-year-old carries a 3.92 ERA over his nine-year career, which has also included stints with the Royals and Rays.
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